Amen Corner Pastor Stanley B. Sims, Sr. St. Nora Primitive Baptist Church

The Florida State Primitive Baptist Convention celebrated its 106th session last week (April 16th – 21st) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, presently under the leadership of General President Edward Buckner, D.D., and Pastor of Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in Cocoa, Florida.  This year’s theme was “Stewards of God’s Grace” highlighted from the scripture text First Peter 4: 9 – 12.  Primitive Baptist Pastors, Elders, Ministers, Deacons, Mothers, and delegates from all across Florida gathered together to worship and praise God for helping us through many dangers toils and snares, as well as to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of leaders, and those whom God has called into an eternal rest.  Elder Richard Matthews, 95 years of age, recently retired from pastoring the Saint Paul Primitive Baptist Church (Leon) serving as pastor a little over 50 years, also serving at St. Nora P.B. Church (Wakulla), Pilgrim Rest P.B. Church (Wakulla), Saint Paul P.B. Church (Wakulla), and Friendship P.B. Church (Leon) totaling his years of pastoring close to seventy years.  Deacon Freddie Franklin of Mount Trial Primitive Baptist Church (Wakulla) was presented with the Moses Miles Presidential Award.  The Late Elder Louis Parker was acknowledged for his leadership and service in the church, convention, as well in the community.  The late Elder Louise Parker was a founding member of the HELP AD’s Board of Directors, past Pastor of Pilgrim Rest P.B. Church (Wakulla), and St. Matthews P.B. Church (Leon), and served as City Councilman for the City of Midway, Florida, as well.

1st Photo:  (R to L) - Mother Wilma Sims (St. Nora P.B. Church) & Mother Sharon Snellings (Testerina P.B. Church) disseminated substance abuse fact sheets provided by Florida Alcohol & Drug Association, Florida Department of Children & Family Services, & A Shepherd's Hand Resource Center, Inc.:  2nd Photo:  (R to L) - Elder Stanley B. Sims, Presenter, Dr. Jean LaCour, Presenter, Sister Minnie Likely, Convention Dean of Education, Elder Edward Hayes, President of Church School Congress, & Elder James Chester, Vice-President.

This year the Florida Department of Children and Family Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Division partnered with HELP AD: Gadsden County Substance Abuse Coalition in conducting an educational workshop informing conventioneers of the negative impact drug addiction has, not only on the community we live in, but on our State as a whole.  The workshop shared how Florida is partnering with various religious organizations to provide treatment to those suffering with drug addiction.  Pastor Stanley B. Sims, Sr. of Saint Nora Primitive Baptist Church (Wakulla) and Dr. Jean LaCour, Department of Children and Family Services, Access To Recovery Faith-Based Representative, shared how 56% of the treatment providers in this three year, 22 million dollar program (ending in August 2007) to increase accessibility of substance abuse treatment programs in Florida were faith-based organizations.  “Access To Recovery” is based on the knowledge that there are many pathways to recovery from addiction.  The promise of this initiative – founded on a belief in individual choice – is that it ensures the availability of a full range of treatment options, including the transforming power of faith, Charles G. Curie, former SAMSHA Administrator.  Research has proven that spirituality and volunteerism are cited as protective factors for youth substance abuse prevention.   One hundred forty-seven studies out of 175 found religion to be a deterrent to alcohol or drug abuse in children.  Studies on Substance Abuse, religion, and spirituality found teens who do not consider religious belief important are three times as likely to drink, binge drink and smoke; four times as likely to use marijuana; and seven times as likely to use illicit drugs (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse). The workshop was a great success, with approximately one hundred in attendance.  We invite you to visit our website, www.helpad.org, to view the power point presentation.

1st Photo:  Workshop Presenters Dr. Jean LaCour, DCF Faith Based Representative & Pastor Stanley B. Sims, Sr., Program Director, HELP AD:  Gadsden County Substance Abuse Coalition.  2nd Photo:  Newly elected Pastor at China Hill P.B. Church in Havana, FL & Elder Ester Watson of Shiloh P.B. Church in Quincy, FL

Drug addiction is a disease that is destroying our community like cancer destroys our body.  The difference between the two is how we react.  We must be good stewards of God’s grace when individuals seek spiritual guidance in dealing with drug addiction.  Drug addiction doesn’t discriminate; White, Black, or Hispanic, poor or rich, tall or short, unskilled laborer or professional, Baptist, Methodist, Church of God In Christ, or Non-domination.  It is time all faith based organizations arm themselves to be equipped to address the issue.  Let the church say Amen.  Special thanks go out to the following people who worked behind the scenes to make this workshop possible:  Mr. Sean Matthews, Mr. Darran Duchene, Mr. Osubi Craig, Mr. Charles Jackson, Mr. Bruce Simmons, Ms. Vanessa Addison, and Mr. Ken DeCerchio, Assistant Secretary, Florida Children of Family Services.

This article originally published on April 24, 2007.  

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